License is small fee to help keep pets safe and sound

Thursday

Dog licenses for the coming year are now on sale and will be, without penalty, through the end of January.

Not only is it the law, a license is a lost dog's ticket home, according to Holmes County Auditor Jackie McKee.

Sale of the annual dog registration, required by the state of Ohio, started Dec. 1 and runs through the end of January, and is a service designed to benefit the animal, its owner and the community, according to McKee. The license tag has an assigned identification number that identifies the owner should the dog become lost or separated from his owner.

Ohio law requires all dogs older than three months be licensed each year no later than Jan. 31. The fee is $14 per dog. After the Jan. 31 deadline, the fee increases to $28 per dog. Applicants must be 18 or older to obtain a dog license.

There is no penalty for not having licensed pets in past years when making application for the new year. Renewal applications have been sent by mail, with a return envelope, to prior applicants. After proper payment is received, the tags will auditor's office will send the tag

It is only one of many ways to purchase licenses for 2012. Licenses may be purchased at the auditor's office, located at 75 E. Clinton St., Millersburg, or at the Holmes County Dog Warden's Department, 5387 County Road, 349, Millersburg. Both of these locations can accept debit/credit card payments. Licenses also may be purchased online at www.holmescountydoglicense.com.

Additionally, there are many satellite locations throughout the county that will be also selling 2012 licenses, and it is suggested the mailed renewal form be taken to the satellite location to make easier the process. They are: Becks Mills General Store, The Bargain Shed, Farmerstown General Store, Garver's Service Station, Moore's Lawn & Garden, Mt. Hope Hardware, Orme Hardware of Berlin, Millersburg True Value, Wolfcreek Veterinary Clinic, Myers 76, Prairie Station, Whitmer's Store, Buckeye Deli, East Holmes Vet Clinic and Village Veterinary Clinic.

A kennel license is available at a fee of $70 for people who breed dogs for hunting or for sale. A tag must be purchased for each dog in a kennel that is over the age of 3 months. The kennel license will be sold with five tags, with additional tags sold for $1 each. Kennel licenses can only be purchased at the auditor's office or at the dog warden's office.

"When you consider how much pet owners invest to keep their pets healthy, happy and safe, the license fee is a small price to pay for another year's peace of mind," said McKee.

All of license revenues go towards the operation of the Holmes County Kennel. The Holmes County Kennel, which is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Dog Warden Katelyn Orr also encourages dog owners and all county residents to consider making an additional contribution to the department's medical fund.

"Every year, we ask for your support for the homeless dogs in our community, and every year you have helped make the dreams of these dogs come true," according to information distributed with the mailed renewal forms.

The brochure tells the story of Brody, an Australian Shepherd, unable to use both of his back legs, who, thanks to the donations to the medical fund got veterinarian attention and was able to walk again. "A program called Pilots for Paws picked up Brody at the Holmes County Airport and he was flow to his new loving family in Minnesota."

Milo was running loose in Millersburg when he was eventually caught and found to have several deep bite wounds. He was treated and found a new home.

"Dreams do come true for these great dogs," according to the brochure, which notes, "Any amount of money will help save them.

Donations to the medical fund can be mailed to 2 Court St., Suite 10, Millersburg. All of the kennel's adoptable dogs can be viewed at: www.petfinder.com/shelters/OH555.html.

Reporter Christine L. Pratt can be reached at 330-674-5676 or cpratt@the-daily-record.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.